Henrico Company Shows its ‘School Pride’

Henrico soundproofing and noise control product supplier Acoustical Solutions, Inc. recently participated in NBC’s new series “School Pride,” which premiered last month.

The show follows a team of experts along with teachers, students, and parents as they come together to renovate deteriorating public schools around the country. Acoustical Solutions, Inc. donated and sold their products to Communications and Media Arts High School in Detroit which was in danger of being closed due to lack of funds. Their episode aired Nov. 5.

“We see the difference that it makes not just in each family’s life, but the entire community,” said Eric Peters, communication specialist for Acoustical Solutions, Inc. Producers contacted the company near the end of September after one of the show’s contractors suggested it. “They were filming in the next two to three days and it was definitely something we wanted to get involved in,” said Peters.

Acoustical Solutions has been featured on other homemaker shows, including a couple of appearances on DIY Network’s “Man Caves” series which Peters believes is the reason they were asked to participate.

They donated a vocal booth and recording studio products to the school and sold a $264 “WhisperWave” baffle, which is hung from the ceiling to reduce noise and reverberation.

The company’s goal was to help not only the current students, but those coming in the years after. “The school itself is a progressive school, it focuses on new media and communication technology; kids need that in today’s world,” said Peters.

The products that they gave to the school will help the students to perform. For most high school students, an opportunity to work and perform with these communication and media tools isn’t something they get to experience until they reach college.

“What we provided is specifically for a media room. We provided a place for them to do what they will most likely be doing for the rest of their lives,” Peters said.

Communication Media and Arts High School competed against four other schools across the country to be selected for the show. After an audition tape was sent in by two students, the school was notified in June by producers that they’d won.

"We’re extremely grateful,” Principal Donya Odom said. “For years we’ve never had an academic program that measured up to our name, and now students can explore possible careers and utilize the equipment the company donated.”

The school received a total makeover, which included a music room, art room, a media/studio center, a storage area and other repairs to the building. Odom added that if “School Pride” hadn’t selected her school, it would have closed down.

Along with the school community, a group of professionals will be along to help guide the transformation of the school. Interior designer Susie Castillo, comedian and former substitute teacher Kym Whitley, Jacob Soboroff, an AMC News journalist, as well as SWAT Commander Tom Stroup will be involved in the rebuilding and restoring process.

School Pride is produced by Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’s Denise Cramsey and Cheryl Hines of Curb Your Enthusiasm and will air Fridays at 8 p.m. on NBC.

Acoustical Solutions, Inc. has served commercial and residential development facilities as well as recording studios and home theater designers since 1989 with its selection of noise control and sound proofing products.

The company recently sold and installed its products in Faith Landmark Church, Benedictine High School, Phillip Morris and the Glen Allen Library. It’s currently working with the Math and Science Center in Henrico, providing studio equipment for distance learning.

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